QUESTION:
We are being encouraged to boycott Israeli products. What if we have tried alternatives and they are not effective? For example, we should boycott Pampers. On Google it’s showing that its an American product. But, nonetheless, as precaution we should. Now, if we’ve tried different diapers and it either leaks, or gives the baby a rash, what should we do?
ANSWER:
Boycotting Israeli products is not the solution to the current problems of the Ummah. The solution to the problems of the Ummah is to mend our relationship with Allah Ta’ala, abide by the injunctions of Shariah, refrain from the disobedience of Allah Ta’ala and emulate the Sunnah. Yes, boycotting their products might affect their turnover to some extent, but it will not cripple them nor break their strength, which is the actual objective of a boycott. However, if the Ummah comes onto 100% obedience of Allah Ta’ala, then the unseen assistance of Allah Ta’ala will descend as it had descended on the occasion of Badr and on the occasion of other battles. If the Ummah boycotts all their products, but we remain firm in emulating the Kuffar lifestyle, then not much can be expected. This means that together with boycotting their products we must reform and become people of Deen. How many Muslims have really performed Salaah and cried before Allah Ta’ala in the early hours of the morning in Tahajjud for the Palestinians? How many Muslims have fasted for the Palestinians? How many Muslims have made a firm resolution to live in accordance to Shariah so that favourable conditions may prevail?
Hadrat Maulana Yusuf Saheb Khandelwi Rahimahullah would make the following Dua:
اَللّهُمَّ أَخْرِجِ اليَهُودِيَّةَ و النَّصْراَنِيَّةَ مِنْ قُلُوْبِنَا
“O Allah! Remove Judaism and Christianity from our hearts.”
When the Sahaaba Radiallahu Anhum held firm onto Deen, the Mubarak Sunnah of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, and turned to Allah Ta’ala, then they witnessed the help of Allah Ta’ala against the enemies. The angels would descend from the heavens and fight the enemies. Even before striking the enemy, they would witness the enemy being beheaded on the plains of Badr. Consider the following incident:
In the Battle of Yarmook, the Sahaabah Radiallahu Anhum defeated the Roman army despite their overwhelming numbers. The Sahaaba Radiallahu Anhum numbered only 40 000, while the Romans were 240 000 in number. After being defeated, the Roman army returned to their leader, Hercules, who was at that time situated in Antioch. He exclaimed, “Woe unto you! How was it possible for these people to defeat you? Are they not humans like you?” The soldiers submitted, “Certainly, they are.” Hercules then asked, “Were you greater in number or did they outnumber you?” The soldiers stated that they outnumbered the Sahaaba Radiallahu Anhum. Hercules finally asked, “Then why is it that you always suffer defeat when you encounter them in battle?”
One of the Roman leaders, who was senior in age replied, “The reason for their victory is that they perform Salaah the entire night and fast during the day, they fulfil their promises, they enjoin righteousness and forbid evil, they are just in their matters. We, on the other hand, drink wine, fornicate, perpetrate all forms of forbidden actions, break our promises, wrongfully usurp the wealth of people, oppress others, enjoin things that draw the wrath of Allah Ta’ala and prohibit that which draws His pleasure, and we spread corruption and mischief in the earth.”
When Hercules heard this, he acknowledged that it was correct and said, “What you have told me is the truth.”
In conclusion, due to necessity you may purchase Pampers, but reforming and living a life in accordance to Shariah as explained above is required if we truly intend assisting the Palestinians.
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Abdul Kader Fazlani
Date:- 24 Rabi ul Aakhir 1445 / 09 November 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
